'I Wouldn't Have Wanted it Any other Way': Jaylen Brown Fired Up to Face Nuggets

Bobby Krivitsky | 8 Hours Ago

Jan 19, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) makes the basket against the Denver Nuggets in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images / David Butler II-Imagn Images

NBA basketball is finally back!

The Celtics and Nuggets begin a two-tilt mini-series at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Friday, representing the unofficial start of the league's 2024-25 campaign.

Friday's matchup will tip off at noon ET. Leading up to the contest, Jaylen Brown shared what has him so excited to return to the hardwood with an international showcase against Nikola Jokic and Co.

Jaylen Brown on starting preseason vs. Denver: 'wouldn't have wanted it any other way' pic.twitter.com/sd3tZyXwm4

— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) October 3, 2024

"To sharpen our tools against a championship-caliber team can help us going into the season. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way," said Brown. "The last two champions get to play (and) globalize the game here in Abu Dhabi, which is an amazing place. I think it's very fitting. And I think the NBA did a good job of setting it up."

The Celtics and Nuggets will square off again on Sunday. That matchup will tip off at 10 a.m. ET.

After this mini-series against Denver, the reigning NBA champions return home for the following two preseason games. First is a rivalry clash against the 76ers. That contest will take place on Oct. 12.

While playing back-to-back exhibition games doesn't happen often, after that, Boston hosts the Raptors the next night. The Celtics conclude their preseason schedule with a rematch in Toronto on Oct. 15.

Then, it's on to the regular season, with the C's receiving their championship rings and raising Banner 18 to the TD Garden rafters on Oct. 22 before hosting a potential Eastern Conference Finals preview against the New York Knicks.